- Rennes-le-Château gained media attention through articles in 1956, a documentary in 1961, and a bestselling book by Gérard de Sède in 1967.
- De Sède linked the village to broader conspiracy theories involving the Knights Templar and secret codes, shifting focus from gold to hidden history.
- The alleged Latin documents found by Saunière were dated to after 1889, casting doubt on their authenticity.
- Henry Lincoln discovered a secret message in Altar Document 2 referencing King Dagobert II, leading to BBC Chronicle episodes.
- Complex cipher decryption of Altar Document 1 involved Vigenère and Knight's Tour, producing a nonsensical message, suggesting reverse-engineered puzzle.
- The conspiracy expanded to include the Priory of Sion, Merovingian dynasty, Poussin's painting, and famous alleged Grand Masters.
- The article critiques the pseudo-history, highlighting logical flaws, fabricated evidence, and the role of media in sustaining the myth.